A One-off sermon for Christmas
Today’s Bulletin
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
Sermon Discussion questions
The Word Made Flesh: John 1:1-18
Ice Breaker: What’s the most famous person you’ve ever seen in the real world?
This Week Specific
The sermon mentions how we can be "too easily impressed" by celebrities or important people, while sometimes missing the wonder of God becoming human. What aspects of Christmas or your faith have become too familiar, and how can you rediscover a sense of wonder about them?
When discussing Jesus' full humanity, the sermon describes how He experienced all aspects of human life - from learning to walk, to working a trade, to experiencing physical and emotional pain. How does knowing that Jesus fully experienced human life change how you approach Him with your daily struggles and challenges?
The sermon emphasizes that Christmas is a love story rather than an origin story. Think about your closest relationships (family, friends, spouse). How does understanding God's sacrificial love in becoming human challenge or inspire how you love the people in your life?
The text mentions receiving "grace upon grace" (John 1:16). Looking at your workplace or school environment, what would it practically look like to extend this kind of generous, overflowing grace to difficult colleagues, challenging students, or demanding supervisors?
Brian described Jesus' profound humility in becoming human. In what specific area of your life (parenting, marriage, work, friendships) do you find it most difficult to practice humility? What one step could you take this week to follow Christ's example of humility in that area?
Consider the Nintendo game analogy from the sermon - of a creator entering their creation. How does this perspective of God willingly entering our broken world change how you view and interact with the brokenness in your own community or neighborhood?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?